Simpson, Cole: Unleash American Energy, Halt Job-Killing Regulations
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) today remarked on the House floor in support of H.R. 8998, the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. They highlighted how the legislation promotes U.S. energy independence, limits the Biden Administration’s regulatory agenda, and protects access to our public lands – all while reining in unnecessary spending.
Watch Subcommittee Chairman Simpson's remarks here.
Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Simpson remarked, “Cutting funding is never easy, but with the national debt totaling nearly $35 trillion and inflation at an unacceptable level, we had to make tough choices in this bill to rein in unnecessary discretionary spending. This legislation prioritizes critical needs and addresses specific interests and concerns brought to our attention through more than 8,800 Member requests...
"In terms of policy, the bill takes critical steps to reduce regulatory burdens imposed by the EPA and promote domestic energy production. Such efforts include: halting heavy-handed, job-killing EPA regulations; limiting abuse of the Endangered Species Act and ensuring continued access to our public lands; expanding access to hardrock and critical minerals; and requiring oil and gas lease sales and limiting fees on producers. These policies will help boost our national security, reduce energy costs, and create American jobs.
"Mr. Chairman, this bill permanently fixes wildland firefighter pay, helps manage our public lands wisely, upholds our commitments to Indian country, and restores the fiscal responsibility necessary to get our economy back on track.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery here.
In remarks submitted to the record, Chairman Cole stated, "The basis of this year’s Interior and Environment Appropriations bill is good stewardship. We thoughtfully manage our public lands and conservation efforts and direct fiscal resources where they are needed most. With one-fifth of the land in the United States under the purview of agencies within this legislation, responsible governance is critical.
"As the first Native American to chair this Committee, I am proud that this measure continues to uphold our sacred obligations to Tribal communities. The bill provides critical increases for tribal programs, including those covering tribal justice, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service. Delivering on our trust and treaty commitments is of crucial importance to my home state of Oklahoma and to all people of Indian Country...
"Importantly, the bill also reins in the Biden Administration’s overreach, ensuring that misguided Green New Deal-style rules and regulations cannot be implemented. We take important steps to reverse misguided policies that have made us more reliant on foreign energy and resources. House Republicans know that strong domestic production supports our national security and American jobs.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery here.
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